Patients with varicose veins have four to five times higher risk of thrombosis – New study from Taiwan shows connection – Risk of pulmonary embolism also increased – ELVeS® Radial 2ring method by biolitec® particularly suitable

Jena, June 12, 2018 – Longer flight or car journeys, sedentary activities and sitting with bent legs for long periods have an impact on the blood flow. This is sometimes followed by swollen and aching legs. In unfavorable cases, this may even result in thrombosis: a blood clot or thrombus, which can cause pain and, in the worst case, pulmonary embolism. A visit to the doctor is inevitable in case of thrombosis. A connection with the occurrence of thrombosis has now also been discovered concerning varicose veins. Varicose veins are common, but rarely associated with serious health risks. However, a new study* published in February 2018 in Taiwan has shown that there is an association between the presence of varicose veins and the future development of deep vein thrombosis. The data basis for the study was compiled from a Taiwanese health insurance program. The aim was to examine the connection between varicose veins and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or peripheral artery disease. Over 200,000 patients diagnosed with varicose veins or treated for varicose veins have been examined during the study. The control group without varicose veins was the same size.

In the group of varicose vein patients, the risk of thrombosis was five times higher than in the group without varicose veins – regardless of sex and age. The study also revealed a 70% higher risk of pulmonary embolism. In the first year after diagnosis, the risk of thrombosis was particularly high, presumably because those affected seek medical help only in cases of severe suffering and have not yet received treatment.

It can be assumed that varicose veins are a sign of a damaged vascular system with an increased risk of inflammation and thrombosis. In the event that acute and chronic venous diseases are diagnosed, the patients should discuss the personal risk with their doctor.

If it turns out that the removal of varicose veins is medically advisable, the minimally invasive therapy with the ELVeS® Radial® 2ring method of biolitec® is also particularly suitable for high-risk patients. With the ELVeS® Radial® method, the surgeon removes the varicose veins with a very fine laser fiber. The specially developed two-phase ring-shaped radiation of the fiber closes the vein from the inside, protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is carried out within a short time and usually without general anesthesia. In addition, it enables patients to resume their lifestyle habits quickly.

Patients can find further information on the gentle laser therapy by biolitec® on the website www.info-varicose-vein.com. Information on doctors who apply the ELVeS® Radial® method is available to patients via the e-mail address post@info-varicose-vein.com and by telephone via the biolitec® hotline +49 6172 27159-11.

A retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwanese health insurance program. From January 01, 2001, to December 31, 2013, 212,984 varicose vein patients aged 20 years and older and a control group of the same number of patients without varicose veins have been included and compared. Patients previously diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) were excluded. The follow-up ended on December 31, 2014.

Bildquelle: @biolitec biomedical technology GmbH

About biolitec

biolitec® is one of the world“s leading medical technology companies in the field of laser applications and the only provider which possesses all the relevant core competences in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT) – photosensitizers, lasers and fibre optic cables. Besides laser-supported treatment of cancers with the drug Foscan®, biolitec® researches and markets above all minimally invasive, gentle laser procedures.

ELVeS® Radial® (Endo Laser Vein System) is the world“s most-used laser system to treat venous insufficiency. The LEONARDO® diode laser from biolitec® is the first universally applicable medical laser which has a combination of two wavelengths, 980nm and 1470nm, and which can be used across disciplines. The innovative contact fibre XCAVATOR® in conjunction with the LEONARDO® DUAL 200 Watt laser allows in urology a gentle treatment of e.g. benign prostate enlargement (BPH). The light-weight LEONARDO® Mini laser weighing only 900 g was developed especially for mobile application on site. Gentle laser applications in the fields of proctology, ENT, gynecology, thorax surgery and pneumology are also part of biolitec®“s field of business. More information available at www.biolitec.com